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New Balance FuelCell Propel v4 Reviews

Daily trainer

Good-value daily trainer with some plate pop, though several had heel slip or dead foam.

71Signal score

71% positive

21reviews

How the signal works

The signal score

A score out of 100 for how well reviewed a product is next to others of its kind. It rises with positive reviews and with how many there are; negative and mixed reviews take points off. The best in each category scores in the 90s.

So a handful of glowing reviews can’t beat a product lots of people like. No sponsored placements.

Updated 13 Nov

Check price on Amazon Read 21 reviews

What people mention

Often liked

Durable6 Responsive6 Comfortable fit3 Fast3

Common concerns

Heel slip3

Real runner experiences (21)

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Showing 6 reviews mentioning responsive Show all

Reddit · r/RunningShoeGeeks · Mar 18, 2026 · summarized

Positive

After 900 km over two years, the Propel v4 was a do-everything daily trainer best around 5:00/km up to 20 km, but hard to run slowly in and thin late in long runs.

Blog · Believe in the Run – Meaghan Murray, Thomas Neuberger · summarized

Positive

'A real surprise': like a trimmed-down SC Trainer, quality at a low price that one tester recommends to beginners and seasoned marathoners alike.

Blog · OutdoorGearLab – Nathaniel Bailey · summarized

Positive

A well-cushioned budget trainer that's great at easy-to-moderate paces, and an inexpensive way to try a plated shoe. Not the best shoe in their test, but a great partner for specific users.

Blog · Runner’s World · summarized

Positive

Cushioning that isn't too soft or slow; testers could still crank out fast miles, and generous rubber has impressed on durability. The forefoot felt thin past 12 miles for one tester. Not a first choice for speedwork.

Reddit · r/RunningShoeGeeks · Mar 4, 2024 · summarized

Positive

A runner enjoyed the Propel v4 a lot: more fun than non-plated trainers, with a plate that adds stability and responsiveness.

YouTube · Running Shoe Geek · Mar 26, 2023 · summarized

Positive

About 100 miles (roughly 700 minutes), covering all their daily running. They find it a versatile, mild speed shoe that doubles as a daily trainer, with a roomier forefoot than expected and little wear at 100 miles apart from the toe. It suits lighter midfoot or forefoot strikers; the heel is notably soft with no crash pad, so heel strikers may not get along with it. It is heavy on paper but feels lighter on foot.

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Common questions about New Balance FuelCell Propel v4

What do runners say about New Balance FuelCell Propel v4?

Many runners find the New Balance FuelCell Propel v4 a comfortable, durable and good-value daily trainer with some pop from its plate. Several had problems, though: heel slip, foam that felt dead or broke down, and a warm upper. Opinions split, so it suits some runners far better than others.

Is New Balance FuelCell Propel v4 worth it?

Of the 21 reviews with a clear verdict, 71% are positive, 5% mixed and 24% negative. The praise mentioned most is durable. The most common complaint is heel slip.

What are the most common complaints about New Balance FuelCell Propel v4?

The complaints reviewers mention most: heel slip (3 reviews), heavy (2 reviews) and wears out fast (1 review). For example: A runner never got along with the Propel v4: dead-feeling foam, no snap from the plate and heel slippage.

Where do these New Balance FuelCell Propel v4 reviews come from?

We collected and summarized 21 experiences shared on Reddit, blogs and YouTube, with links to the original sources. Reviews submitted here are checked for spam before they appear. Every review, submitted here or collected, is read as positive, mixed or negative.